Croc runs wild on Bang Thao beach
PHUKET: A special team has been set up to capture a large crocodile on the loose at Bang Thao beach, Thalang district after it was spotted by a foreign tourist yesterday.
Provincial governor Norapat Plodthong said he has instructed the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office and local administrative agencies to work with agencies specialising in crocodiles to catch the large reptile.
The fisheries office has confirmed the water conditions and environment on the beach are not suitable for sustaining seawater crocodiles, leading them to believe it is a freshwater species, the governor said.
Mr Norapat warned villagers and tourists to be alert when going into the water. Lifeguards have been ordered to increase patrols along the beach.
Earlier, a video clip featuring a large crocodile lingering in the sea at the beach went viral on social media.
The footage is believed to have been captured by a drone operated by an Australian tourist identified only as Mike after he spotted the creature while strolling along the beach.
Thalang district chief Vikrom Chaktee said authorities have verified the video clip and found it was shot on Aug 25 and uploaded on Tuesday.
If the animal is a freshwater specimen it would only be able to survive in seawater for stretches of two or three days, said Paiboon Boonliptanon, chief of the provincial fisheries office.
As a result, it is expected to move to freshwater catchment areas that connect to the sea soon — unless it is captured first.
Marine scientist Thon Thamrongnawasawat issued a Facebook post yesterday saying this is not the first time a crocodile has been spotted offshore in Phuket.
In 2013, one was reported seen off Mai Khao beach in the same district.